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meet the Team

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Physiotherapy
Exercise Physiology
Osteopathy

Thami Molepo

Thami graduated with a Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy in 2014. With a passion for fostering resilience and recovery he strongly believes in providing both therapeutic intervention and personalised care. Thami has a breadth of skills and experience to enable delivery of comprehensive treatment strategies that cater to individual needs.

Thami has a special interest in both sports and orthopaedic rehabilitation. As an avid boxer and gym enthusiast he brings a personal perspective to sports rehabilitation, understanding the athlete’s mindset and the physical demands of various sports. This
insight enhances his ability to design and implement effective, sport-specific rehabilitation programs.

Thami is an avid learner who remains dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those he treats.

 

Shontal Norton

Shontal graduated from the University of Otago in 2020 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. While in New Zealand, Shontal worked as a Physiotherapist for a national level Football Club, as well as treating patients in hospital settings and within aged care.

Shontal has experience treating all common musculoskeletal conditions, with a particular interest in exercise prescription for strength and conditioning. She strives to educate and empower clients throughout their rehabilitation in order to achieve their goals.

Carryn-Rose Alexander

Carryn-Rose is a caring and experienced physiotherapist with a passion for helping people improve their physical health and achieve their goals, taking the time to listen to your concerns and needs to then develop a plan tailored to your optimal recovery.

Carryn-Rose will work with you to improve your strength, mobility, and flexibility, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in treating common musculoskeletal conditions, as well as supporting women with their pelvic health and well-being.

Shae Wong-Toi Knight

Shae graduated with a Bachelor Of Health Science (Physiotherapy) in 2022 from the Auckland University of Technology. Shae also has a Certificate in Personal Training and is a trained Pilates Instructor, having managed her own Pilates Studio and online coaching/personal training business whilst undertaking her Physiotherapy degree.

Shae has a love of exercise and is passionate about helping people return to doing activities they love. Shae enjoys combining her fitness and pilates experience with her physiotherapy skills to optimise patient progress in line with their goals.

Alisa Telegaru

As a recent graduate from Griffith University, Alisa is excited to start her career at Core Healthcare as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. Alisa is an optimistic, compassionate, and reliable therapist who is passionate about building professional relationships and empowering her patients while providing holistic care.

Alisa enjoys participating in diving, yoga and non- competitive obstacle course racing. Her personal education, interest in movement and hobbies drive her to create optimal recovery paths which are personalised to each individual.

Alisa is interested in chronic pain management, cardiac rehabilitation, and neurological rehabilitation.

Shakira Direen

Shakira graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Griffith University with distinction. She is a vibrant and dedicated physiotherapist who will work with you to develop a therapy plan which suits your lifestyle and goals.

Shakira enjoys treating a variety of conditions and has an interest in headaches, neck pain, women’s health and stroke and neurological rehabilitation. Her early career in a hospital setting provided her with invaluable experience in cardiac, respiratory, and neurological care, further enhancing her ability to address diverse patient needs.

Drawing from her experience as an AFL sports trainer and her background in competitive dance, touch football, netball, and horse riding, Shakira appreciates the demands and challenges athletes face. Shakira takes a hands-on approach to therapy, employing techniques such as soft tissue massage, cupping, and joint mobilisations to tailor treatment plans for optimal results. Her background in instructing fitness, Pilates, and Barre classes enhances her approach to rehabilitation and injury prevention.

When she’s not in the clinic, Shakira enjoys bouldering, going to the gym, surfing and walking her dog.

Jimmy Ramsay

James AKA “Jimmy” graduated from RMIT University Melbourne in 2008 completing his Bachelor of Complementary Science and Masters of Osteopathy.

Jimmy was inspired to study Osteopathy after gaining a greater appreciation for the mechanics of the body whilst completing a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in anatomy and physiology. Jimmy recently relocated to Brisbane from Canberra where he worked in a large multi-disciplinary clinic for over 15 years. He has helped treat and manage a variety of patients from children to professional athletes. Jimmy treats with a structural approach to Osteopathy including massage, stretching and manipulation with home-based exercises.

He has mentored, educated and worked closely within a team of Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Massage Therapists, Chinese Medical Practitioners and Dieticians. Jimmy firmly believes that a team-based network is essential to maximise patient outcomes, and that why he feels core will really help compliment his work.

Jimmy has an interest in the mechanical relationship of the body with a clinically based, medical diagnosis. From acute to chronic conditions, he helps patients find the cause of their symptoms, while educating them to assist in their own health management.

Joel Dagher

Joel has a thirst for learning and a passion to provide exceptional, person-centred care. Joel aims to provide an effective evidence-based intervention by providing an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and a tailored management plan.

With a genuine interest in caring for others, Joel strives to build meaningful working relationships with his patients, empowering them with the necessary tools to achieve their functional goals.

Joel graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science, Master Of Physiotherapy in 2022 from Latrobe University.

David Appleby

David Appleby is an enthusiastic physiotherapist, who brings his energy and broad experience to every patient. Over his career, David has trained and worked in various settings, including musculoskeletal clinics, tertiary hospitals and specialised headache clinics. With this experience, David is an expert in treating complex headache and migraine conditions, having advanced training in the Watson Headache Method and thousands of headache treatments under his belt. David is also a trained Mulligan Concepts Practitioner, trained Ridgway practitioner and is trained in Pilates, dry needling and western acupuncture.

David believes that health and wellbeing is at the centre of a well-rounded, happy life. David seeks to communicate and get to know his patients, so that he can provide the best possible treatment in a holistic manner for their individual needs and goals. David is a firm believer in combining hands-on therapy, patient education and exercise prescription, so that everyone can leave feeling better, with a plan for optimal health.

Outside of work, David is a busy man. He has 3 young children and an energetic Border Collie too! His family owns a working farm and most weekends this is where you will find him.

Jun Sugio

Jun is a graduate from Griffith University and is experienced in treating general musculoskeletal conditions and also working with athletes and industrial workers for function-specific rehabilitation. His special interests include treatment for spinal, lower limb (hips, knees & ankles) and sports-related injuries. Jun is also a certified provider of the GLA:D® Australia program for hip & knee osteoarthritis.

Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Jun can speak English and Japanese fluently and is an active field hockey player and represented Australia at the 2024 Hockey5s World Cup.

With Jun’s extensive sporting background, experience with workplace rehab and passion for helping others, he will understand the various demands required for different activities and tailor your treatment to your goals and needs.

Callum Gall

Callum is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who has completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Griffith University and a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Southern Cross University.

Callum’s key areas of prescription include musculoskeletal rehabilitation where his approach to treatment involves understanding improper movement patterns impacting the whole body. This allows him to prescribe specific programming to achieve long term results. He is also experienced providing management for chronic conditions, neurological rehab, chronic pain relief, improving activities of daily living and facilitating clients positive return to work outcomes.

Callum currently provides his services at our onsite facilities as well as performing offsite visits to gyms, hydrotherapy centres and home consultations between the Northern Rivers and the Gold Coast to provide our clients with the best treatment options.

Natalie Lever

Natalie is passionate about bringing health and independence back to people who are suffering with chronic disease or injury. She helps her clients, who include all ages and all walks of life, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their bodies and minds so that they may improve their quality of life.

Natalie’s background includes Health Science, Psychology, Human Movement and a Masters in Exercise Physiology (Clinical Rehabilitation). She understands that no single approach is the right one for each individual and has been trained in a range of modalities to address this.

Some of the conditions Natalie can help with include: obesity/weight loss, injury rehabilitation, chronic pain, rehabilitation from joint replacement surgery/injury, reduction in falls risk (improved balance) and cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation.

Levin Poropat

Levin Poropat is an Exercise Physiologist who graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Exercise Sports Science at the Queensland University of Technology. During his study, Levin developed a keen interest in musculoskeletal conditions as well as the psychological aspects of rehabilitation.

Following his graduation, Levin has regularly worked as an Exercise Physiologist. Levin has also worked as a high-performance track and field coach for the past 5 years and has had great success with an athlete achieving a Paralympic world record in Javelin.

Sian Cook

Sian graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Masters of Physiotherapy in 2013. Sian has since worked both on the Gold Coast and South Brisbane region in a private practice setting for the last 7 years. Sian has also been involved with numerous local sporting teams and was the Head Physiotherapist for Bond University Bull Sharks Netball (2019). Sian enjoys treating lumbar spine pathologies and lower limb injuries.

On a personal level, Sian has a strong sporting background including participation in representative netball and competitive Irish Dancing. Sian understands and encourages the importance of proactive physical management in the treatment of both sporting and occupational related issues and strives to offer her clients the most up to date treatment and information.

Sian is certified in Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling and qualified APPI Pilates Equipment Level 1 & 2. Sian enjoys developing home exercise programs and teaching clinical Pilates to provide individualised programs for rehabilitation, ongoing maintenance and/or performance enhancement.

Edward Francis

Edward enjoys helping clients achieve their goals and working with them to improve their strength, balance and overall well-being. His treatment and management addresses deficiencies, aims to prevent injury and optimise function, using evidence based approaches and techniques. Edward’s balanced and individualised approach will provide you with the confidence to return to what you enjoy.

Edward has experience treating general musculoskeletal conditions, with an ongoing interest in the treatment of sporting injuries after having worked with various school and amateur Touch and Rugby Union sporting teams in Northern Queensland.

Edward graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) from the University of Queensland in 2019.

Raimee Hillier

An advocate for women’s health, Raimee has completed postgraduate training in pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, bladder/bowel concerns, sexual health, and pre- and post-natal care. Raimee also has experience diagnosing and treating generalised musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back, neck, shoulder, and knee injuries, as well as osteoporosis.

Raimee is devoted to helping her clients stay active throughout all life stages and assisting them to get back to their favourite activities and exercise in a safe and supportive manner. Utilising a client-centred based approach, Raimee ensures all patients feel supported throughout their journey, whilst also equipping them with the knowledge and skills to take control of their rehabilitation.

Raimee graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) in 2019, and has gone on to complete several research papers on knee pain.

Tamasyn Carman

Tamasyn has a competitive sporting background and has keen interest in helping injured athletes get back to their sporting best. She currently plays cricket for Gold Coast Dolphins. Her special interest areas include shoulder and knee injuries. She has worked with a wide variety of patients including post-surgical patients, elite athletes, industry workers, and chronic-pain patients.

Tamasyn graduated in 2019 with a Master of Physiotherapy Degree and a Bachelor of Exercise Science Degree from Griffith University.

Jessica McDonald

Jessica works Monday-Friday at our Sorrento clinic. To make a booking please phone 07 5655 6361.

As a Titled Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Jessica has over 10 years of experience in the field. She graduated with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Masters of Physiotherapy, before returning to Griffith University for her postgraduate studies in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy.

She has a special interest in treating shoulder injuries, as well as neck and lower back pain. As Jess works closely with orthopaedic and spinal surgeons on the Gold Coast, she can optimise your recovery following injury and guide you through your rehabilitation post operatively.

Jessica has a passion for treating sporting injuries and has worked with elite athletes, both domestically and internationally, including basketball, soccer, AFL, rugby, cricket and was the physiotherapist for the Australian Olympic Kayaking Team in preparation for Tokyo, 2020.

Jessica is qualified in advanced acupuncture and dry needling for all injury types. This can be particularly effective for managing migraines, headaches and jaw pain, as well as calming the neural system for patients who suffer from chronic pain. As a Senior Physiotherapist, Jess is confident in treating complex presentations by providing symptom relief, while also addressing the underlying pathology.

In her free time, Jess is an avid CrossFitter and loves relaxing on the beach.

Steven Wynia

Steven is a physiotherapist with extensive experience in private practice, having worked in the Netherlands, Germany and Australia. Steven treats all general injuries and is specialised in treating acute or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis of the neck, thoracic or lower spine. Steven provides hands on treatment consisting of soft tissue release, mobilisation and home exercises.

Steven graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

Patrick Green

Patrick is a physiotherapist with a clinical focus in musculoskeletal private practice which has allowed him to gain extensive experience with a wide variety of patients and conditions including elite level athletes, professional dancers, industry and office workers, children and the elderly. His special interest areas include persistent and recurring pain, injuries to the shoulders and knees, as well as headache and migraine treatments.

Patrick graduated in 2013 and holds a Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Exercise Science at the University of Tasmania.

Jon O’Dwyer

Jon is an Exercise Physiologist with over 10 years experience working in rehabilitation, athletic and normal population settings. Jon is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and a Tactical Strength & Conditioning Coach (TSASCA) . Jon is an integral member of Core’s injury rehabilitation team with a highly successful track record of creating and delivering effective exercise interventions for post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation, chronic disease management and industrial strengthening & work hardening for injured workers. He has rehabilitated workers from a wide variety of industrial and military occupations, ensuring their ability to confidently return to physically demanding roles. Jon also has considerable experience as an athletic strength and conditioning coach working with elite adolescent and young adult athletes; using proven testing protocols, strength and speed & agility programs to gain the performance outcomes they need to succeed at the highest of sporting competitions.

Jon graduated in 2005 and holds a combined bachelor of Human Movements (BAppliSci (HMS)) and Business Management (BBusMgmt) from QUT.

Johnny Tawhara

Johnny is a physiotherapist with extensive knowledge of sporting injuries, chronic pain, exercise prescription and work related injuries. He has applied his interest in Sports Physiotherapy, not just clinically, but also outside the clinic, with many years involvement as physio to sporting teams such as the Coomera Crushers Rugby Union team and elite athletes such as the national champions in Mixed Martial Arts. Johnny is passionate about helping people achieve their goals, whether it be as an elite athlete, weekend warrior or the non-athletically inclined!

Johnny graduated in 2011 from The University of Otago. He then obtained a Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy in 2015 and a Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy in 2017. In 2019 Johnny completed a postgraduate Masters in Sports Physiotherapy.

Matt Roser

Matt is a physiotherapist with over 15 years experience and is a credentialed therapist in the renowned Mckenzie method.

Matt has provided refined clinical expertise and treatment methods across a diverse range of settings, providing an individualised and hands-on approach to the New Zealand Defence Force, onsite occupational work sites and working with both international and professional sporting teams. His special interests include treating spinal and sporting injuries, chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries, ergonomics, functional rehabilitation programs and vocational/occupational rehabilitation management.

Matt graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Otago, completing his Post-Graduate Studies in Rehabilitation at the Auckland University of Technology in 2015.

Nick Dodemont

Nick is a physiotherapist with a strong sporting background having previously worked as a physiotherapist to the Brisbane Roar FC (Youth Development).

Prior to joining Core in early 2014, Nick worked extensively in the field of occupational physiotherapy within the construction industry, as the head physiotherapist on the largest construction site in Australia (and one of the largest in the world). His special interests include sports rehabilitation and occupational rehabilitation. Able to treat all areas, Nick has a keen interest in the neck, lower back and knees, and rehabilitation from initial onset through to higher level gym programs and return to sport and work.

Nick graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland.

Read Nick’s latest blog on Posture and Headaches here!

Drew Singleton

Drew Singleton is an APA Titled Pain Physiotherapist and Occupational Rehabilitation provider with 20 years clinical experience in private practice.  His role as Clinical Coordinator focuses on steering Core’s interdisciplinary team towards best-practice management of patients presenting with complex musculoskeletal injuries, and persistent pain presentations. 

His passion lies in the initial assessment and understanding of various factors which contribute to his patients’ complex pain presentations, before goal setting and integrating with his team at Core for exceptional patient outcomes. 

Drew has completed a Postgraduate Masters of Medicine (Pain Management) from Sydney University, is an active member of several Australian Pain Rehabilitation Organisations, and holds guest lecturer/leadership roles at various professional organisations across Queensland.

Expertise in:
Pre and Post Operative Spinal Rehabilitation
Acute and Chronic Back and Neck pain
Complex Injury Management Services
Coordination of Persistent Pain Management and Specialist Spinal Injury Triage Clinics
Functional Rehabilitation – Aquatic and Gym based

Joel McPhee

Joel completed a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPhEd) double majoring in Sport Science and Exercise Prescription; and a double degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Otago University in Dunedin, NZ. He also has a Masters in Physiotherapy (MPhtySt) from the University of Queensland and is an Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

Joel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, having worked in both private and occupational rehabilitation. Clinically, Joel has extensive experience in workplace injury assessment and treatment as well as rehabilitation of all injuries and conditions including sports, spinal, shoulder and lower limb, persistent pain and functional rehabilitation (hydrotherapy and gym based exercise programs).  He also oversees our Core Sports Physiotherapy program and is heavily involved in the mentoring of our clinical staff.

Expertise in:
Sports Injury Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
Persistent Pain and Complex Work Injury Management Services
Functional Rehabilitation – Aquatic and Gym based

Greg Stewart

Greg Stewart is a Senior Physiotherapist and Injury Management Advisor with Core, who brings over 10 years’ experience in clinical private practice in musculoskeletal, persistent pain and neurological rehabilitation. Greg also holds a degree in Biomedical Science previously working in both a hospital and research setting in cardiac sciences.

Greg specialises in the evaluation and treatment of spinal, shoulder and lower limb including pre and post operative rehabilitation protocol prescription (inclusive of hydro and gym based exercise programs) as well as persistent pain and complex injury management.

Greg is involved with several industries and organisations in providing early intervention triage and treatment for work related injuries including exercise prescription and advice regarding body mechanics, movement precautions and work restrictions. He has worked closely with many occupational physicians performing pre-employment and functional capacity assessments along with injury management and return to work planning.

Greg’s role as a partner with Core Healthcare enables him to assist in driving the partnerships with specialist and local and larger businesses to provide premium services in physiotherapy to the Northern and Southern Gold Coast Regions. This includes both clinical treatment and offsite rehabilitation for Workcover QLD and NSW, SIRA, Sonic Healthcare, Suncorp and Allianz.

 

Expertise in:
Post Operative Spinal and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation – Spinal, Shoulder and Lower Limb
Persistent Pain and Complex Injury Management Services
Involvement in Persistent Pain Management and Complex Spinal Injury Triage Clinics/Programs
Functional Rehabilitation – Aquatic and Gym based exercise including biomechanical assessment and rehabilitation

About Core Physiotherapy & Exercise Centres

Founded in 2002, Core Physiotherapy & Exercise Centres is a physiotherapy-lead allied health company committed to providing clients with comprehensive assessment and treatment programs in a warm and friendly environment. With multiple clinics across Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast, our services include musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, back and neck rehabilitation, paediatric physiotherapy, exercise physiology, psychology, clinical pilates and hydrotherapy.

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Multiple locations across Brisbane,Logan and the Gold Coast

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